Page 49 of Magic and Medicine

When we’d finished with the last one, Adam, who’d been reasonably helpful holding down the convulsing patients, grasped Nina’s hand.

‘Nina, I …’ he stuttered before shaking his head, ‘what I just witnessed was exceptional, but you must rest now. I’m taking you home.’ I blinked, hearing the caring tone of his voice. My friend tried to protest, but I raised a finger.

‘No, he’s right. Go home, and I’ll handle whatever’s left,’ I said in a firm tone before turning to Adam. ‘Look after her, or I swear I’ll find a way to end you, Vampire.’ His laughter at my empty threat made me raise an eyebrow. Still, after I spoke, he scooped up the swaying Nina, who embraced his neck without argument and carried her to the exit. As soon as she was out of sight, I wobbled, catching the table’s edge to stabilise myself.

‘You should take your own advice, doctor.’ I looked up at the voice, trying to smile, and Jora gestured to a box in the corner. ‘You worked a miracle here today. Words can never express my gratitude for saving our people. The pack will protect you, Sara, from anything or anyone; remember that.’

‘I swore an oath to save lives, Jora. There is no debt to repay,’ I said, as the very idea of having a pack of shifters bound to me was unsettling, but the healer shook her head.

‘That wasn’t an offer.’ She said, leaving the room. I saw Damian and Rysiek, surrounded by pack members, all patting the paramedics on their backs while what I assumed was a crate of beer was passed around. It looked like I wasn’t the only one the pack decided they owed. The men I operated on were recuperating in a quieter corner, cared for by the healers and their Alpha. Tomasz walked between the stretchers, stopping and talking to the injured.

I envied Nina as my legs felt like jelly, not to mention I was dog tired, hungry and probably dehydrated as my heart was pounding, adding to my unsteadiness. Leszek directed the clean-up while talking furiously on the phone. I wanted to go home, and the only way I could do that was to ask him or one of the able-bodied people rushing around. Or I could catch the tram and sleep in my own apartment. That sounded like an excellent idea, and I hoped to sneak away unnoticed to have a few hours of solitude in the privacy of my own home.

Taking a deep breath, I grabbed my bag from the corner I’d thrown it in earlier and walked toward the exit. The wolves were busy with their people, only Jora noticing my escape, her frown deepening when I gestured for her to remain silent. Not that I minded Leszek’s company. In fact, I would welcome a nap in his arms, but he was busy, and judging by the severity of the situation, he wouldn’t be free anytime soon, and I didn’t want to be another burden he had to deal with. Besides, Rostov promised me two days to think, and I was a grown woman in desperate need of sleep who could care for herself.

My breath became ragged before I could even reach the front door. That alone was concerning, as I shouldn’t feel so bad, even after an eventful night and busy day. Still, I felt like I had run a marathon, and now I was on the verge of passing out.

‘Sara! Where are you going?’ Leszek’s voice announced to everyone I was about to sneak away, and, slowly exhaling to combat a wave of nausea, I turned… and someone turned out the lights.

Chapter twenty-six

Voices raised in anger dragged me from my slumber, but I couldn’t open my eyes. ‘What did you think you were doing, exploiting her like that? She’s barely learned what her gift is and isn’t a seasoned witch who knows her power’s limits. She drained herself so much her heart almost stopped! And how could you touch the Dark Arcana? I thought you knew better than to use dark magic… my Lord. Everyone will think you have the same ambitions as Czernobog.’

‘How many times do I have to repeat myself? I have not used the Dark Arcana. As for the healing, do you think I’d put her in this situation if I had a choice? I didn’t know how much it cost her. Sara said nothing, and I assumed … Fuck! I didn’t notice because I was trying to sort this mess out.’

I heard a heavy crash and a long pause before he resumed in a much calmer tone.

‘They tried to breach the amber storage. If my suspicions are correct, someone’s using the living gem to break the Nether’s magic. The Council reported several attacks on the Gates, but none were successful, including one last night during the warehouse raid.’ Leszek exclaimed, his anger clear as he argued with Veronica. With curiosity getting the better of me, I opened my eyes and started searching for something to cover what I quickly realised was my very naked body.

I was in Leszek’s bedroom. Not that I remembered getting back here or being stripped and put to bed. Someone clearly had fun, I thought, noticing I at least had my panties on. I grabbed Leszek’s shirt and a soft cashmere blanket, enjoying the touch of luxury while wrapping it around me before I stumbled downstairs into the kitchen.

‘What happened and what Gates?’ I asked, confronted by the image of Veronica and Leszek facing each other aggressively.

‘You fainted, or I should say, according to my witness, you went pale as a ghost, then collapsed like a felled tree with a thud that still gives them chills. Our glorious leader here claims he didn’t use Dark Arcana, but I clearly sense traces of its taint on you and the residue of temporal magic. Please tell me you weren’t stupid enough to meddle with anything that dangerous.’ Veronica said, watching me like a hawk, while Leszek seemed stunned by my sudden appearance.

‘No, I didn’t, but I bet I know who did, and it’s the same man whose blood splashed on me. I injured a guy called Nikolai Rostov when he cornered me in a hospital lift using a weird-looking orb. I don’t know if it was that or whatever he smashed on the floor that messed with time, but the nasty shit seemed overly pleased I got his blood on my face.’ I said, marching toward the fridge.

‘Do we have anything to drink? I’m parched.’

‘He did what?!’ Leszek’s roar and the sound of broken granite made me jump and involuntarily step back when he approached. ‘What did that bastard do to you?’ He demanded, grasping my arms. Veronica’s pale face told me she was also terrified by this sudden burst of rage.

‘Nothing, I swear. I scratched him after he threatened my family, and it splashed on my face. Please don’t tell me I did wrong because he was nasty and threatening.’ I said, swallowing hard. ‘I’m sorry, but this is not my fault. One moment I was visiting a patient, the next, he was inviting me to meet his boss and making shitty threats. I did my best to stop him. His orb thing disintegrated, but I grabbed the pieces after he ran off. I’m sorry. I didn’t know he would attack your stash to replace the amber that broke… Leszek, please, you’re hurting me.’ I tried to stay calm, but I was at a loss for what he expected me to do, especially when his grip on my arm tightened, becoming painful.

The pleading tone in my voice broke through Leszek’s rage, and he fell back, releasing my arms before diving forward again, gathering me up in a bear hug. ‘I’m sorry, my Firefly. I’m so sorry. I’m not mad at you, but the thought I could have lost you. This bastard attacked you for the second time in less than two days. I’m not mad at you… Please don’t be afraid. You should never be afraid of me, darling.’

‘Actually, I think it might be the third time. There was a car crash on my way to work…’ I said and gasped, trying to pull away when he roared.

‘I’ll fucking kill him. I will rip his guts out and hang him by them from a tree.’ His words were a barbaric pledge fuelled by roaring anger, but there was desperation and the need to protect a loved one beneath it. I stroked his chest, feeling his trembling hands against my back, pressing me to him with fierce need. That is extreme, even for Leszek. When did I become the centre of his world for him to react that way? I thought, my heart filling with a warm glow I shouldn’t be feeling.

‘I’m fine. I didn’t even realise it was an attack until Rostov showed up where the driver was being cared for. You should thank Veronica. It might have ended differently if she hadn’t taught me so well.’ I said, pulling his beard and forcing him to look at me. His soft hair tickled my hand when he tilted his head, the mossy green colour of his eyes drawing me in. ‘I’m fine. I promise.’ I said, and he kissed my forehead. His hands never left my skin like he feared I could crumble and fall any moment.

I looked at Veronica, who observed this display of affection with tightly knitted brows, and for the first time since I knew her, I saw uncertainty flashing in her expression.

‘My Lord, you might have a bigger problem. A human that can influence time and a Soul Shepherd bonding to a guardian? I’m sorry, but you must face facts; the Council will insist on seeing her. You should beat them to the punch and take Sara to Gedania before they force the issue.’ She said, and Leszek slowly turned in her direction.

‘Force me? Those who could force me can’t leave Gedania; the others, I’d like them to try. Sara is mine, and she will remain with me.’ He said with a snarl, and the air surrounding us shimmered, making Veronica step back, gasping when the wave of power touched her skin. Leszek had felt so volatile since I woke up that it made me worry about his state of mind.

‘Stop it! Just stop it! She only warned you about this Council. What the fuck is going on here? What are Gedania and the Gates, and why are you acting like a psycho as soon as Veronica mentioned them?’ I tried to pull away, but he held me tight.

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